U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke regarding security issues in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen. Blinken praised the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti and suggested it transition to a UN peacekeeping operation. They also discussed funding for the African Union mission in Somalia and the necessity of releasing UN personnel held by Houthis in Yemen.
On Friday, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in a phone conversation with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to address pressing security challenges facing Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen. During the discussion, Secretary Blinken commended the recent progress made by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, which seeks to mitigate escalating gang violence that has plagued the nation since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. Further, Secretary Blinken proposed the transition of the MSS into a United Nations peacekeeping mission, a move that aligns with the request from the Haitian government for a more sustainable security framework. The leaders also highlighted the importance of obtaining funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), tasked with counteracting the persistent threats posed by al-Shabaab militants. Additionally, they addressed the critical situation in Yemen, emphasizing the urgent need for the release of United Nations and diplomatic personnel currently held captive by Houthi forces.
The discussions between Secretary Blinken and Secretary-General Guterres shed light on the complex security landscape in several regions facing instability. Haiti continues to confront a severe escalation of gang-related violence, exacerbated by political turmoil following the assassination of its president. Meanwhile, Somalia grapples with threats from extremist groups, particularly al-Shabaab, which has consistently disrupted efforts for stability. Yemen, embroiled in a prolonged conflict, presents a humanitarian crisis, compounded by the detention of UN personnel, which has implications for international diplomacy and aid efforts.
The dialogue between U.S. and UN leaders regarding the security situations in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen underscores a collective commitment to tackling these critical challenges. By proposing a transition of the MSS in Haiti to a UN peacekeeping operation and securing necessary funding for missions in Somalia, the leaders are demonstrating a proactive approach to fostering stability. Additionally, the call to secure the release of detained personnel in Yemen remains a crucial step toward restoring diplomatic and humanitarian efforts in the region.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
